SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF THE DEA RESCHEDULING DRAFT DOCUMENT: DOCKET NO. DEA 1362; A.G. ORDER NO. 5931 2024 SCHEDULING NPRM 508 INTRODUCTION This document outlines the proposal by the Attorney General to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The recommendation is based on an evaluation by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which found marijuana has a lower potential for abuse compared to substances in Schedules I and II, and it may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
KEY FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1. POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE:
Evaluation by HHS: Marijuana is associated with a high prevalence of use, but its abuse potential is lower than that of Schedule I and II substances such as heroin and cocaine. The abuse of marijuana may lead to moderate or low physical dependence and a low likelihood of severe psychological dependence • Attorney General's Conclusion: Based on HHS’s scientific and medical findings, marijuana does not warrant control under Schedule I due to its lower abuse potential and dependence liability • 2. MEDICAL USE: Currently Accepted Medical Use (CAMU): HHS has recognized that marijuana has a currently accepted medical use in the United States. This conclusion is based on its widespread use by licensed healthcare practitioners in state-authorized medical programs and credible scientific support for at least one medical use • Recommendation for Schedule III: The recommendation to transfer marijuana to Schedule III rather than Schedule II is due to its lower potential for abuse and dependence compared to substances in those schedules • 3. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DATA: Comparison with Other Substances: Marijuana ranks lower on various measures of harm compared to Schedule I and II substances. Despite high availability and use, it produces fewer serious outcomes than these more strictly controlled drugs Health Outcomes: Epidemiological data suggest that while marijuana use is prevalent, it does not produce serious health outcomes comparable to those of substances in Schedules I and II •
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